Our Dear Kadiatu

Sadly, one of our dear friends from Mercy Ships was buried today.

Kadiatu was a lovely lady and will be sorely missed.
She diligently sewed all the african outfits for our fistula ladies to go home in once their surgery was successful.
But her little sewing room also was a favorite meeting room of both national and international staff to pause for a quick chat, laugh, pray or catch up.

Her funeral was very long and very African, and I actually found myself very sad, for a few reasons.

Remebering all Kadi's favorite songs when she led devotions (she had a great voice), like 'I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart' and 'Because He lives, I can face tomorrow..... Becasue He lives all fear is gone.'

Listening and watching Kadi's husband Felix manage himself in this difficult time. He not only lost Kadi, but also their first baby. Still he is able to put all his hope in Jesus and still praising God for Kadi's life.

But also found myself pondering on the shocking state of the health care in this country. It really hits home when it's a friend who has suffered this injustice. Kadi and her baby would probably not have died had she been in the UK. Despite being in the goverenment hospital here - was everything done? Could better pregnancy care have prevented the problem? Better surgical facilities? Better trained Doctors? Better equipment?

Why? We can ask again, and again, but as Felix reminded us only God knows.
But we do know that Kadi is now in heaven with our Loving Father. So we look back with saddness and joy at her life.

It was said at the funeral, that Kadi was a lady of Christ. Throughout her life she showed ALL the fruits of the Spirit - Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self control. This was certainly true.

Life is so fragile and so precious.

We need to make sure we are living daily in the best way we can -following Jesus.

Please pray with me for those left grieving for her, particually Felix and Kadi's one remaining sister.